...preserving a rich and colorful history

More than 160 guests, including women Marines whose collective service spanned the past 75 years, attended the event. Of the women Marines in attendance, World War II Marine Phyllis (Shaw) Ghio was one of the first 95 women Marines to report to Camp Pendleton on Oct. 26, 1943.

Guest speaker, Col. Dawn Alonso, Commanding Officer, I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF) Information Group, provided guests with a perspective of her active duty service which spanned 30 years. A historic uniform pageant was the highlight of the ceremonial portion of the evening.

The event was supported and sponsored by more than 25 local businesses from Oceanside, Carlsbad, and Rancho Mission Viejo. Historic displays were provided by the U.S. Marine Corps Historical Company, AWRS-7 Lady Marines, and Camp Pendleton History and Museum Division. Freelance photographer Deb Hellman, USO Camp Pendleton, and Marines from the Camp Pendleton Office of Communication provided photographic coverage of the event.

Thanks to all who attended and supported the gala and contributed to the success of the evening.

Exhibit – “75 Years – Women in the Marine Corps on Camp Pendleton

An exhibit, “75 Years – Women in the Marine Corps on Camp Pendleton”, is currently on display at the Marine Corps Mechanized Museum (2612 Vandegrift Blvd, Camp Pendleton).

The exhibit includes artifacts and memorabilia showing the history of Camp Pendleton women Marines. From those early women who performed drill marches in high heels to the recent development of an integrated School of Infantry, the exhibit relates stories of these determined Marines.

The exhibit is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and on Friday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.

To arrange a tour of the exhibit, please contact the museum at (760) 725-5758 or via email mcbcampen_history@usmc.mil.

Groundbreaker Newsletter – Volume 12 Number 3

The latest issue of the Camp Pendleton Historical Society (CPHS) Groundbreaker newsletter was distributed at the end of August 2018.

If you are a member and never received your copy (electronically or printed copy), email the Membership Director at cphsmembership@gmail.com.

Want to read this issue but aren’t a member? Then join the CPHS via the link below.

Become a member of the CPHS – use PayPal to join

Membership Levels

The Camp Pendleton Historical Society (CPHS) is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich and colorful history of the land that is now Camp Pendleton. Our interests span the entire history of the region, to include prehistoric times, native American culture, the Spanish mission era, the rancho story, and finally, the United States Marine Corps ownership since 1942.